Let There Be Peace on Earth

I heard a familiar song recently on a Microsoft television commercial of all places. It stirred my heart, and at the same time, made me sad. I’m sure you know it:

Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me.
Let there be peace on earth
The peace that was meant to be.
With God our Creator
Family all are we.
Let us walk with each other
In perfect harmony.

Let peace begin with me
Let this be the moment now.
With every step I take
Let this be my solemn vow.
To take each moment
And live each moment
With peace eternally.
Let there be peace on earth,
And let it begin with me.

Of all things in life we might pray for and hope for, peace on earth seems the most elusive. When I contemplate a description of our world in these days of turmoil, I cannot help but recall the words of the hymn, “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day,” This is the most poignant stanza:

Then, in despair, I bowed my head. “There is no peace on earth,” I said. “For hate is strong and mocks the song of ‘Peace on earth, good will toward men.'”

May we find a way to truly make peace in our world, and let us make this our prayer, “Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.”